Golden Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Golden Beach showing windsurfing and general coastal views
Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and take in views of the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Golden Beach is the most southerly of Caloundra’s beaches and hugs the shores of Pumicestone Passage. The tranquil waters are protected from the ocean by Bribie Island, making it perfect for swimming, boating or fishing.

Follow the coastal path that winds its way to central Caloundra and passes shady playgrounds and picnic areas. Savour freshly caught seafood at one of the many local restaurants or have your own beachside barbecue. Relax on the sandy shores and enjoy the sunshine. Gaze upon the dramatic outlines of the Glass House Mountains silhouetted along the hinterland horizon.

If you are feeling adventurous, there are many watersports to try at Golden Beach. Rent a Jet Ski or take a boat out and go fishing. During the day, join a riverboat tour of Pumicestone Passage or kayak across to Bribie Island. You can also rent a bike and go riding along the well-marked bike track that borders the shoreline. There are many hideaway spots to take a break and have a picnic along the way. Pick up some fresh produce from the Bulcock Street markets that take place in Caloundra’s town centre every Sunday.

Take your pick of accommodation from one of the many beachfront resorts or pet-friendly holiday houses. There are also many camping and caravan sites along the esplanade facing the tranquil ocean.

Golden Beach is only a short distance away from some of the Sunshine Coast’s more novel attractions, including Aussie World, the iconic Ettamogah Pub, the famous Australia Zoo and Underwater World SEA LIFE Mooloolaba. Right next to the Ettamogah Pub is a range of specialty shops selling Australian-made products. Time your visit with the Caloundra Triathlon that takes place in February each year to see the race from the sands of Golden Beach.

Golden Beach is often described as the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and is only a 1-hour drive north of Brisbane. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stunning coastal sights this beach has to offer at any time of the year.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Golden Beach Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is NZ$188 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$188
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (353 reviews)
"Pool and breakfast were great and a short walk to town"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
4 out of 5
75 Esplanade, cnr Jellicoe Street and Esplanade, Golden Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$229 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$229
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a theme park shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,546 reviews)
"Polite, happy staff. Clean and well presented room"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
4.5 out of 5
2 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$229 per night from 14 May to 15 May
NZ$229
per night
14 May - 15 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,506 reviews)
"The waterpark and facilities are great. Also great and convenient having a restaurant onsite."

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2024

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Golden Beach Holiday Park
Golden Beach Holiday Park
3 out of 5
9 Onslow St, Golden Beach, QLD
Stay at this holiday park in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bulcock Beach and Caloundra Jet Ski are ...
8/10 Very Good! (10 reviews)
"Stayed in cabin for 2 nights. Basic and what we needed. Very close walk to beach and shops. Great location. Pool was clean. Rooms were clean. Beds werent that comfortable but was fine for our stay."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2024

Golden Beach Holiday Park
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is NZ$250 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$250
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The floors in our room were sandy, no lifts or ramps to our room meant carrying prams and babies up stairs with no bellboy offer, no spare blankets in room, can very clearly hear noise on neighbours balcony and outside of the rooms door. All staff were awesome. Breakfast was awesome- although all ..."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is NZ$281 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$281
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,478 reviews)
Mini break
"Great service and staff were very helpful. Short stroll to beach, with cafes and shopping on your doorstep."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Golden Beach

Kawana Beach showing a beach and landscape views

Caloundra

Caloundra is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Caloundra Events Center and Bulcock Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Sunshine Coast.

Caloundra
Kings Beach featuring a coastal town and a beach

Kings Beach

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Kings Beach. A stop by Kings Beach or Shelly Beach might round out your trip.

Kings Beach
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Moffat Beach

Unique features of Moffat Beach include the beaches and cafes. Make a stop by Moffat Beach or Shelly Beach while you're exploring the area.

Moffat Beach
Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a beach

Mooloolaba

A noteworthy feature of Mooloolaba is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out The Wharf Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Mooloolaba
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Buderim

Buderim is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Buderim Forest Park Nature Refuge and Foote Sanctuary of Buderim.

Buderim
Alexandra Headland which includes a coastal town, landscape views and general coastal views

Alexandra Headland

Travellers to Alexandra Headland praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Alex Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Alexandra Headland

Golden Beach Travel Guide

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